To mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, U of G will be lighting Johnston Hall purple from Nov. 29 until Dec. 6. The full observance period runs from Nov. 25 until Dec. 10, during which U of G and other community organizations hold events and share information to aid in the prevention of gender-based violence.
U of G is committed to making a positive impact on gender-based violence by standing with survivors, supporting affected members of our community, and committing to initiatives and research that address the root causes.
Here are ways you can participate in and learn more about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence:
Lighting ceremony
Nov. 29, 5 to 5:30 p.m. at Johnston Hall
Members of the U of G community are invited to attend a ceremony to initiate the lighting of Johnston Hall and show support for elimination of gender-based violence. Johnston Hall is being lit purple as the purple ribbon has long been a symbol representing the prevention of gender-based violence.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Memorial Service
Dec. 6, 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Adams Atrium, Thornbrough Building
To remember the 14 young women who were murdered in the tragedy at École Polytechnique in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences will be holding its annual memorial service.
The Changing North: Policy and Program Responses to Change/ing Communities
Dec. 6, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Virtual via Zoom
Join the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences to discuss how northern and Indigenous women are responding to the impacts of resource extraction in the north of present-day Canada with a panel of scholars, community researchers and organizations. Register to attend The Changing North.
Other community events
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support and Education Centre, SAFE (Sexual Assault Free Environment) Peer Helpers, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, the Zonta Club of Guelph, and the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED) are coordinating various events and initiatives in Guelph for this observance period.
Get involved on campus
Be a part of the solution to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence by getting involved on campus.
- Attend an event hosted by the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Centre. View upcoming events on GryphLife or by following @wellness_uofg on social media.
- Complete an online learning module including the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Awareness Training for Students and/or the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Module for Staff and Faculty, both available through the Self-Registration tab on Courselink.
- Request a customized training or workshop for your class, department, club or organization by connecting with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Education Coordinator at sveducation@uoguelph.ca.
- Volunteer with the Sexual and Gender-based Violence Centre or learn more about becoming a SAFE Peer Helper by filling out the volunteer interest form.
Learn about U of G research on gender-based violence
With decades of researching gender-based violence, or femicide, U of G sociology professor Dr. Myrna Dawson has had a global impact on the field of violence against women and girls.
Read more about her work and the work of her PhD student Emmanuel Rohn, a male international student in a female-dominated field.
Need to talk?
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, you are not alone and supports are available.
You can connect with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator to access support and resources for yourself or a friend by emailing svinfo@uoguelph.ca. You do not need to disclose or make a report to access support and students are welcome to bring a support person with them.
The coordinator can also provide consultation services to faculty and staff responding to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence.
Together, we can make a positive impact on gender-based violence on campus and in our community.